My Vintage Home

Quoted from my 5 year old

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 02:05:00 +0000

My 5 year old has a new saying before going to the potty.. If it is just pee... "Pee is not for drinking, it is yucky." Yup gotta agree with him there- though I have never tested his theory.. :-)
If it is number 2..."Poop is not for eating, it is yucky.."
I shudder to think how he knows this..

Homeschool Product Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:56:00 +0000

I am so excited to share with you a product that I recently reviewed.. The product was created by The Old Schoolhouse. I get their magazine- it is my favorite homeschooling magazine. The product is The Schoolhouse Planner. After browsing through the planner I am even more excited to get started on our school year. Each month there is something new to teach the children- already put together for you. Great facts to pass on to your children during your school time. Sure makes our job a whole lot easier. There is also a helpful article for us Moms- to help us in our teaching duties every month. The articles cover different topics- math, science, history, art, unit studies etc.. Then to round it all out they list links for more books, ebooks, and other items that they carry on their website available for purchase- that goes right along with that months theme. The monthly calendar contain nice large blocks for you to fill in right there on your computer- yep.. you do not have to print out anything if you do not want to.. you can fill it all in on the computer- leave it there or print it out already filled in.. How cool is that??!! How about a new recipe or to try out during the month? Right there at the end of every month.
All of the above was great enough, then I got to the end of the year and realized that there were so many more pages to go through.. Pages upon pages of homeschooling forms.. for everything you could ever imagine. You will be the most organized homeschooling parent! Then came the household forms.. I am one disorganized homemaker, I will be the first to admit that. With these forms I can feel like Martha Stewart. Everything from the pantry to the garden will be organized. Menu forms, chore lists, Bible reading charts and so much more!
I have had planners- many planners and this one surpasses them all. You are getting what I love about the Old Schoolhouse Magazine within the pages of a yearly planner. You will receive encouragement in your teaching and creative ideas to use in your schooling each month. The household pages are what I feel are missing from a regular planner- I am not a career woman, I am a housewife and mother, I need a planner that works for me. This one is it. For those of you who need portfolios and the like for your school districts- this has it all when it comes to keeping track of your child's education. You will knock the socks off of whomever you have to turn in your portfolios to.
I have several favorites when it comes to this planner- first, I love the fact that you can type in all of your information right on the computer before printing them out. That is so cool. Secondly, I love the monthly factoid pages.. full of all kinds of neat facts to pass on to your children- right at your fingertips. Whether it is the periodic table of elements or a list of all of the presidents of the United States. How about a list of all of the greatest artists, where they are from and what they are most known for? Yep.. great stuff each month to teach the children without all of the research. Thirdly, I love all of the household forms at the end of the planner. Everything a housewife needs to keep organized and on top of things. I could go on and on.. In my opinion you can go wrong with anything by The Old Schoolhouse to begin with but this one takes the cake.. You will not be disappointed in purchasing this planner. In my opinion, in 10 years of homeschooling I have never found a homeschooling planner to be this good. It covers everything, helps you get organized in every area, and helps you along in your homeschooling journey.

To read what the manufacturer has to say about this product and to order order one of your own click here!!

Another product I want to tell you about is my favorite magazine in it's digital version. The Old Schoolhouse magazine has been around for a while but I never took the time or money to subscribe- I now see that was a mistake. When I found an issue at our local Borders bookstore I snatched it up.. I am so glad I did. It was a breath of fresh air. I got so much inspiration from that one issue. I hadn't realized how starved I was for help, encouragement, new ideas,etc... Not only were there articles geared towards encouraging me as the homeschool teacher but there were unit studies already created for me- ready to go. The kids and I were using those unit studies the day after I purchased the magazine! We had a blast.
My husband saw how inspired I was by this magazine that he bought me a subscription for Mother's day. Now you can get this magazine digitally for less than the print version- and delivered right to your email box.
The first thing that stuck out to me was that you don't have to download the magazine. This is important if you have slow internet like I do. I was able to click on a link and view the magazine right online. Very cool! You can also send your favorite articles to your friends- which you can't do with the print version. I love that I can also print out articles.. For instance- the unit studies. I love the unit studies. You can print them out to use during school. Or print out articles you want an older child to read. A cool feature is the link button- click it and if there are any links within the page you are on they will appear, no more typing in links for a website you find within an article. You can bookmark your favorite articles, change the settings- zoom in or change the speed of turning pages. Let's not forget the financial savings: 32% cheaper than the print version subscription. I have a subscription for the print version and when it ends I will be getting the digital version. I can read it online, print out articles I want to save for future reference- or unit studies to use currently (this months issue has a unit study on flying machines- perfect for my 5 boys!). I can bookmark articles, download to my computer etc.. I think it is set up perfectly for the homeschooling mom- ease of use.
I may be partial already because I really do love the magazine. It is my favorite. If you haven't read the magazine already.. you are missing out. I have a wide range of ages of children and I always find tips for all ages. The unit studies can be used from grade school to high school.

Click Here to order the digital version of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Checking In..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:55:00 +0000

I am still here. Life is forever busy.. We are in the process of moving.. and hubby is getting a new office. Kids are doing well. We are all excited for our move. I have many pictures to update you on all the vintage goodies I have acquired recently but they will have to wait until I get the house under control.. We get to start moving stuff over to the new house at the end of the week.. So I am busy packing as much as I can.. If you don't hear from me.. have a wonderful week..

One day at a time!!

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Yesterday I started singing that old song by Christy Lane- One day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.. It is now my anthem! I was doing the raw food challenge. After much prayer this weekend I have decided that I am not setting a good example to my teenage daughter. God said all food is ok for us to eat- just to eat in moderation. My daughter has turned to eating in boredom- a bad example from mom.. So we will enjoy life, enjoy food and family.. cook from scratch, sneak in the veggies as much as possible, eat organic as much as possible, and do so in moderation.. Most importantly I will take my life- one day at a time.. If I mess up today and give in to gluttony- I always have tomorrow to start over..

I'm only human, I'm just a woman.
Help me believe in what I could be
And all that I am.
Show me the stairway, I have to climb.
Lord for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.

Chorus:
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.

Do you remember, when you walked among men?
Well Jesus you know if you're looking below
It's worse now, than then.
Cheating and stealing, violence and crime
So for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.

Latest Quilt and New Dolly

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Meet Lucy Jean.. I found her waiting for me at a certain overpriced thrift store in Dayton.. But there she was.. 50% off and on $2.50! She needed some sewing repair on her apron but otherwise she is in perfect condition and I just love her!! She is a wonderful addition to our family, Annie Belle and Esther Ruth have taken her in like she has been here all along..

It is finished! My 2nd mini quilt. It is hard to tell but I quilted around every square and some of the squares have freeform embroidery in them.. I mastered the french knot on this one! I just love this little quilt.. It will look nice on my wall of mini quilts I am working on..

Family Fun Day

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:57:00 +0000

The family all had fun while mom canned salsa all morning.. I think I just heard a jar explode in the canner.. oh bother! Anyway, the kids had a blast riding the quad all morning into the afternoon.. they are still out there.. Everyone loves it.. I am so thankful we made this purchase.. To see the kids enjoying themselves again!!

Jacob all set to ride down the road.. Eimi getting in the picture..

Sam making sure Andrew stays hydrated

Andrew watching the fun..

Matty.. this is just my size!

Matty having fun with the camera

jazz hands!

Jacob following dad down the road..

Eimi and Jacob..

Jacob and the baby

Aaron giving dad a ride..

Aaron just chillin'

Today's Mini Quilt Inspiration..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:39:00 +0000

I stopped into a little quilt shop hoping for some inspiration.. and hubby was more than willing to drop some money on something for me.. but... sadly there was no inspiration and nothing I felt like buying.. So I went to my favorite source for inspiration.. flickr.com! All of these pictures are from flickr and the maker's user names are under each quilt so you can go to flickr yourself to see more of their work.. I found some amazing mini quilts today..Now I am off to work on my mini quilt for tomorrow the tomatillo's must be canned.

suzysusparkles

bybethstudio

syko

coloradoartstudio

knitonequilttoo

blueturtlesmeg

boodillys

My new hutch

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:53:00 +0000

I am so excited. On Monday we go to pick up the hutch pictured below. I have wanted a hutch forever! I plan on replacing the glass with clear and painting it white. It will make a wonderful addition to our new diningroom.. Can't wait..

New Gymboree Outfit

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:56:00 +0000

Andrew in his new Gymboree outfit.. his polo onesie has frogs all over it and there are frogs on the overalls too..

My new stitchery from Frannie

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:13:00 +0000

It isn't in my possession yet but isn't it loverly..???? Thank you again Frannie.. I am blessed..

Todays Mini Quilt Inspiration..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:37:00 +0000

I love to go to flickr and find wonderful inspiration from such talented people. The quilts below are my inspiration for the day. I did not make these quilts.. I listed the user id below the quilt. If you would like to see more quilts by a particular user just go to flickr.com and type in their user id. I have been working on my 2nd mini quilt.. It is almost done. I think by tomorrow I will be ready to show it. By the way.. I just love this green wall!!

Stitchindye

Robynsnest77

Rosapomar

Mini_Milly04

Robynsnest77

Kristabird

Linda5555555

Today at our house pt 2

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:36:00 +0000

Well I finally got all the pictures up.. Although we went out again yesterday.. I found 2 sets of super sweet vintage pillow cases one set in yellow and the other in pink. I found a pair of dutch wooden shoes- for a child, 8 little glass pyrex bowls, and a pair of sweet little salt and pepper shakers for $2! And at the last stop I found a big vintage pyrex mixing bowl and another large bowl with a domed glass lid to raise dough in.. Found several other vintage floral china dishes. Hubby and I had a good day! All in all it was a good weekend. We feel blessed to have gotten such a wonderful livingroom set and the recliner from my friend Ronna. And all these little treasures to add to our new home. Hope you all had a great weekend.. Oh and Happy Birthday to my niece Kayla.. And belated to Amber.. I love you sweeties!

Found these treasures at the senior thrift with my friend Ronna. A crystal bowl for .50! I recently got a crystal pitcher as well.. so pertty..

Here is widgey.. just chillin'!!

Found this at a garage sale Saturday. It says centerpieces and has a tie at each end- to wrap up centerpieces in??

I love this little set- in the original box for $3!

This is the sofa table that is part of the livingroom furniture set.

Milk glass candy dish (which matches a milk glass serving plate I have) and floral creamer- garage sale finds

Today at our house...

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 01:13:00 +0000

Blogger is not cooperating with me , so the rest of the pics will have to wait until tomorrow. There is still a sofa table to show you and the rest of my treasures from todays garage sales. Eimi and I had a girls day out. I took her out to lunch and for an ice cream cone.. We had a good time..
We had a delivery of used furniture come today. We are very happy with our purchase. Then my friend Ronna gave us a recliner- that I think will go in my bedroom- it is a rocker-recliner- great for putting the baby down. I feel blessed today.. Good friends, roof over our head, food on our table, healthy family.. can't ask for more.. Daughter and I were talking about how just a few weeks ago we couldn't wait to get out of Nevada and now we love it here. This is only by the grace of God. He changed our hearts. We will bloom where we are planted..

Here is the daddyman trying out the new sofa.. He has declared it quite comfy..

My friend Ronna gave me this lovely sampler..

The chair and ottoman- with Aaron trying it out.. it is quite comfy.

Our new to use living room furniture..

Houses mini quilt- another garage sale treasure

Eimi captured this shot of Matty this morning. I love it.

Candy dish- today's garage sale treasure

Handmade heart mini quilt- todays garage sale treasure

Here is Aaron stopping for a picture. He is very careful when he rides by himself..

A kitchen towel and hankie that are embroidered.. today's garage sale treasures

Trying out the new camera

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Testing out the new camera- going from 3.2 megapixels to 10.2! This is the littlest just waking up this morning..

The Littles in the Go Cart..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:49:00 +0000

The littles playing outside in the go-cart.. Andrew is loving it!

Our New House..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:11:00 +0000

This is the front of the house. If we purchase the house we plan on painting it a pretty yellow with white trim. I can already see containers overflowing with flowers, places to sit and enjoy the weather, fountains and bird houses.. It will be such fun to turn it into a beautiful home...

This is one of the bedrooms- this one will be the boys room. All of the rooms are very big.

Here is a shot of the kitchen. Not a lot of room. Will be setting up a pantry outside in the garage for canned goods and appliances/dishes we don't use daily.

Side yard big enough for our pool, bbq, a picnic table and loads of family fun!

View of the back where the veggie garden will be and I think a fort for the boys..

More Family Fun...

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:23:00 +0000

Andrew loves the quadrunner. I have never seen him cry so hard before- when we brought him in the house. And I have never seen him smile so big.. I love riding it too.. I actually went around the block.. It was a blast.. Below pictures are of the daddyman and Eimi with Sam.. And of course Andrew and I..

Our New Toy

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:35:00 +0000

As you can see the baby loves the new to us quadrunner. Jeff wants to get another now. We have taught the older 3 to ride it themselves, I have even took it for a spin twice! It was invigorating! I was a bit upset that he bought it since we really need to get a couch but I must admit it is much fun and brought our family much joy today. Jeff is even riding it to work today..

The Blessing Of Work

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:55:00 +0000

All of you joyful mama's of little children at your feet.. Check out this wonderful post at Home Living
The article is entitled The Blessing of Work.. but the whole blog is lovely..

Family Pictures...

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:17:00 +0000

Here are some pictures of the kiddos. Sam is missing and Aaron is in next post sitting at the table. I have ooooodles of pictures of Eimi as she loves to take pictures of herself :-)

Our New Table

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:25:00 +0000

Today this was delivered.... There is one more leaf so it is big enough for the whole family.

Vintage Patterns... Too Sweet!

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:08:00 +0000

I am smitten with these vintage patterns. Of course I would have to lose some weight before ever being able to wear these styles of dresses but it gives me something to look forward to.. I found a blog the other day that has become my new favorite. I check it daily. She also loves vintage styles. But she is an impeccable seamstress.. Someday I hope to sew as well as she does. Check out Anna's blog: Pleasant View Schoolhouse
Here are a few patterns that caught my eye today.. I am going to start checking out the thrift stores for vintage patterns.

My first Mini Quilt..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:13:00 +0000

This is my first mini quilt. I sewing the whole thing by hand. I enjoyed every
minute of it. It was quite relaxing. I am working on my second now- but it is a whole cloth quilt, with lots of hand quilting. I am enjoying this one too, but I am looking forward to getting moved so I can get out all of my fabrics and work on something a bit more challenging. I also have a quilt top to quilt for my mother. It is a Christmas quilt. This will be a wall quilt for her to use at Christmas time. I didn't piece the quilt but want the quilting to look good- so it will be my most challenging project to date.

Talulah Belle

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 14:09:00 +0000

This is Talulah Belle, I made her for my niece Kelsey's birthday in March. She came to visit a week ago.. I asked her if she liked her dollie.. She said yes.. I asked her if Talulah needed a friend.. She thought about it for a minute and then said yes.. :-) with a big smile on her face.. So... Talulah needs a friend.. hmmmm..... the creative juices are flowing..

Monday Madness..

noreply@blogger.com (Debra) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:08:00 +0000

Today was spent cleaning, organizing, decluttering.. Madness I tell you. Why clean when one can be knitting on the pair of socks that are almost finished? Well, because we are moving next month, I need to get packed, get organize and get rid of whatever isn't being used. . Today I freecycled lots.. I met Judy who came by to pick up a box of books. Then I met Julia who came by for several boxes of wool, a drop spindle and left with my drum carder. Yup! I haven't used it in a long time, had to evaluate what I want to spend time doing. Carding wool wasn't on the top 10 things I would like to do with my spare time. Besides it felt good to enable a new spinner.
Another 7 boxes of books leave tomorrow or Wednesday and Sometime this week a box of magazines and some yarn will go as well. Feels good.. Re-packed several boxes of craft stuff and homeschool stuff. Vacuumed the whole house, mopped the kitchen twice.. Kids are busy with school. Mashed potatoes over turkey burgers with gravy made a nice dinner. It was a productive day.
I don't have any progress reports on wip's so I will share some of my favorite pictures.. Some are taken at my mother in laws house. She has a house full of vintage goodies..

This one is mine, a telephone table. I just love it..

This is from my mil's house. I just love this old phone.

This is one of my favorite little decorating books.

This is a picture from my mil's.. she has several great pictures like this.